‘THE crisis needs a carnival and some craziness’ is the slogan for this year’s Limassol Carnival celebrations which will begin a month from yesterday and is due to last for ten days. This year’s event will have a record 130 participants.

Limassol Municipality’s Kleonas Alexandrou told the Cyprus News Agency yesterday that there has been a significant amount of interest from all districts to participate in the Limassol Carnival.

“This shows that people are tired of all the talk of the crisis and pre-election campaigns and want to have fun and let go by taking part in the carnival which the municipality is offering for free,” he said.

Alexandrou revealed that after 36 years, the Queen of the Carnival is returning to the celebrations, with Erma Stylianides playing the role of ‘The Queen of the Crisis and Craziness’. She will appear on Thursday, March 7, outside the Limassol District’s Administration office.

There will also be the big float parade half an hour before the big carnival parade on March 17 as well as the chance for the public to decorate the ‘Canvassers Chariot’ on Saturday, March 9 at Studio 8.

This year will also see four outdoor dances as part of the celebrations instead of the usual three, Alexandrou said. The first dance will take place on Thursday March 7 at Heroes Square, the second and third dances will take place in the square of the medieval castle, on March 12 and 14 respectively while the farewell dance will take place at the Enaerios parking lot.

Alexandrou revealed that as well as a competition for the best fancy dress there will also be a competition for the best self-made fancy dress too.

“Limassol can’t wait to dress-up for carnival season,” Alexandrou said.

Paphos is also organising its carnival, which will also commence on March 7. This year King Carnival will be Chinese, in honour of the influx of Chinese residents to the town as homebuyers and business people.